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The classification of "Toy Dogs" was first made by the American Kennel Club to designate the group of fun, playful canines that are generally small and bred as companion animals.
If you love the fun, feisty nature of a dog with personality and prefer the small size of a dog that can fit in your lap, won't pull you down when you go for a walk, and have the looks and personality that will garner them attention no matter where they go, one of the breeds below might be just right for you!
Affenpinscher
This "monkey faced" breed originated in Europe to hunt vermin. It is game, and loyal around its
family, but fierce in the face of challenge.
Toy Dog Gift: Affenpincher
Brussels Griffon
This self important little dog is a great companion blessed with an adorable face and lots of personality! (I think they look like Ewoks, but you can correct me if I'm wrong!) They are 8-10 pounds and come in rough and smooth coat varieties.
Toy Dog Gift: Brussels Griffon
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is the number one toy breed in England. Developed as a companion animal,
it is very friendly, at home in the city or country, and interacts well with children, unlike many of the
more delicate toys. This is a happy, fun, gentle breed.
Toy Dog Gift: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Chihuahua
Yo Quiero Taco Bell! This is the world's smallest dog breed, originating in Mexico and made famous
by cameos in Taco Bell commercials and more recently, "Legally Blonde" and "The Simple Life." They come
in a variety of colors and with both long and short hair. Charming, portable companions, but not hardy
enough to live outdoors.
Toy Dog Gift: Chihuahua
Chinese Crested
This ancient Chinese breed spread quickly around the world on Chinese ships. A fun and entertaining companion
it comes in both "hairless" and "powderpuff" varieties. The hairless has a distinctive topknot of hair
on its head as well as feathers on its legs and tail. The "powderpuff" variety has a full coat, but it
is only a single layer of fur and tends to produce less dander, so this dog might be a good option
for people with dog allergies. The hairless variety requires lotion and sunscreen to protect its exposed
skin from drying or burning.
Toy Dog Gift: Chinese Crested
English Toy Spaniel
A bright, loving dog is an excellent pet and companion, even for the elderly, due to its gentle nature.
Toy Dog Gift: English Toy Spaniel
Havanese
The Havanese is a fun, sturdy dog, related to the Bichon Frise, but coming in a variety of colors, its
coat is usually left untrimmed. It is a very trainable dog and a great obedience candidate. It's ancestry
dates back to ancient Rome and its forebears were largely Italian and Spanish, but in modern ages, this
dog came to the United States through Cuba after the revolution there in 1959.
Italian Greyhound
Very similar in appearance to the full sized greyhound used for racing, the Italian greyhound is the
smallest of the sight hounds and very quick and agile. Originating in the area of Greece and Turkey,
Italian Greyhounds have also been popular in England for years and the United States since the 1800s.
The breed's short coat is quite easy to maintain and it is a hardy dog that gets along well with
other dogs as well as older children.
Toy Dog Gifts: Italian Greyhound
Japanese Chin
This breed was developed as a companion for Japanese royalty and ladies of the court. The dog is very
friendly with those it likes, but reserved around strangers. Similar to a "Spaniel" in many ways, the dog's
primary function is not sporting or hunting, but simply being the ideal pet!
Toy Dog Gift: Japanese Chin
Maltese
The Maltese, though tiny, is a fierce little dog, once upon a time called the Maltese Lion Dog. It
has beautiful long hair which requires daily brushing to maintain its regal appearance. Trusting,
affectionate, and lively he is still not the best choice for young children due to his small size.
Toy Dog Gift: Maltese
Manchester Terrier (Toy)
True to it's terrier heritage, the Manchester Terrier was originated to hunt vermin. There are two varieties,
standard and toy, and the toy is not a fighting breed. It is friendly with other dogs and not
overly aggressive. The coat is short, dense fur that is black and tan in color.
Toy Dog Gifts: Manchester Terrier
Miniature Pinscher
This breed originated in Germany although it has been widely bred in the Scandinavian countries
as well. It is fierce and alert, possessive and protective - making a terrific watchdog, although
it is too small to do guard work effectively. Similar in appearance to the Doberman Pinscher, its
short flat coat demands little grooming.
Toy Dog Gifts: Miniature Pinscher
Papillon
"Papillon" means butterfly in French. This lovely dog has the ears and personality to match!
Marie Antoinette was a breed devotee, as have been many pet lovers since. This breed makes a great
watchdog, fun companion around the house, and has an easy to care for coat.
Toy Dog Gifts: Papillon
Pekingese
The Pekingese was revered as sacred in its homeland of China. It has beautiful long hair which requires
brushing to avoid mats. Though at times stubborn, it makes a good house pet for those who won't let
its ego or royal heir and opinions bother them!
Toy Dog Gifts: Pekingese
Pomeranian
Known for its distinctive, beautiful fur, the Pomeranian descended from larger sled dogs and is quite
a hardy little breed. The coat is surprisingly easy to care for with regular brushing and the dog's
personality is fun-loving and outgoing, making this breed a fantastic pet.
Toy Dog Gifts: Pomeranian
Pug
The pug is an ancient breed with a long history of domestication. Although as a short-nosed breed he
may experience respitory problems during heavy exercise or heat, in general he is a fun-loving, even-tempered
and outgoing playmate. He is a loving dog and good with children.
Toy Dog Gifts: Pug
Shih Tzu
Originally a court pet in China, this breed has a great sense of self and an arrogant, sassy look
and demeanor. His long flowing coat requires extensive grooming and his small size puts him at a
disadvantage with children. There is quite a bit of variation in size and overall he makes a happy
loving, trusting companion.
Toy Dog Gifts: Shih Tzu
Silky Terrier
Similar in size and appearance to the better-known Yorkshire Terrier, the breed was developed in Australia
by crossing Yorkies and Australian Terriers. The coat is odorless and non-shedding, but it does
require brushing to keep it free of tangles. The dog will do well with children who treat it kindly
and enjoys the company of other pets, too.
Toy Dog Gifts: Silky Terrier
Toy Fox Terrier
The Toy Fox Terrier was developed in America by crossing Fox Terriers with Chihuahuas and Manchester
Terriers as well as other toy breeds. It is a game, athletic dog, as it's terrier heritage would
indicate, but it's mixing with the various toy breeds has made it a more mild-mannered companion. Strong
and athletic it is a great pet for children and enjoys being a lap dog in the comfort of its own home.
Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier has been a popular dog in the United States since the Victorian era in the 1800s.
With its lovely long hair, it does require regular brushing, and it is a bit too fragile to be an active
playtime companion for children. The breed is feisty, and loyal however and makes an excellent companion.
Toy Dog Gifts: Yorkshire Terrier
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